About MMS

What Does It Mean to Know Thyself?

“Know Thyself”, is the literal translation of “Gnothi Seauton”, which is above the entranceway to the Temple of Apollo, home to the Oracle of Delphi. This phrase Know Thyself is above the door of each of the ancient Mystery Schools.

The Oracle of Delphi was the voice of the Gods on Earth, and a guide of immeasurable wisdom. To place this advice “Know Thyself”, above her very door showed its supreme importance. Carved into the stone thousands of years ago by the sages who would go on to lay the foundations of all Western society and thinking, this phrase was indeed well-placed.

The Modern Mystery School recognises the importance of “Know Thyself”, and makes it the keystone on which all our other teachings are founded. To know thyself is to know others, and, more than that, it is to know your true potential, your true place in the Universe.

Throughout history, philosophers of all kinds have attempted to understand this phrase, and reached a wide range of interpretations based on their own philosophical views. Some, like Aeschylus, say that “Know Thyself” means “know your place in the great order of things”, while Plato has his fictionalised Socrates use “Know Thyself” to illustrate the strong foundations needed for true knowledge of exceptional things – before we can know obscure and philosophical things, he says, we must know ourselves.

The Modern Mystery School is founded on the principle “Know Thyself”, and it forms the backbone of much of our teachings. Know Thyself as it is understood by the Modern Mystery School is a tenet, a commandment, and the greatest piece of wisdom available to us: it is the means by which we will understand not only ourselves, but everything in Creation.

Our divinity is encoded within every one of us, simply waiting to be understood and activated. Each of us has limitless potential, and as microcosms of the Universe, the answers we seek are already within – we just need to know where to look. When we know ourselves, we discover our full potential, and within us, the possibility of truly complete wisdom.

If you would like to know more about the Modern Mystery School, or about the ways in which you can come to Know Thyself more fully, you can get in touch on our contact form or call us on +44 (0)207 183 7880 today! The spiritual guides and mentors at our London office will be happy to help you find the knowledge and understanding you seek.